​A start-up app created to help young violinists with their practice has announced a scheme to collect feedback during their first version trial, whilst raising money for an international music charity. 
 
nSpireMewas founded by conductor and music entrepreneur Stuart Barr to help children unleash their musicality. Their ethos is that “every child possesses extraordinary powers of creativity, and it's our job to develop technology that enables them to unleash it”.
 
Stuart was conductor to the veteran artiste Dame Shirley Bassey for 6 years, conducting her worldwide from the Oscars, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert to her farewell album at Abbey Road. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music for a decade, recently took his MBA in the Creative Industries at the University of Cambridge, and is Chairman of the London Youth Choir.
 
The nSpireMe app gives children actionable feedback on their pitching and rhythm, with their music displayed alongside practice notes from their teacher. It’s a 3-way platform that connects teacher, student and parent. nSpireMe helps fill the void between lessons and during holidays, enabling students to accelerate their progress, and stay engaged.
 
As well as offering teachers, parents and students free access to the app for an initial trial period, nSpireMe have also pledged to donate £1 to Music as Therapy Internationalfor every bug or glitch reported. This can range from a crotchet rest being slightly out of place to display issues on smaller screen devices. Furthermore, nSpireMe have also decided to donate £1 for every shared post on either Facebook or LinkedIn.
 
Music as Therapy International are a UK-registered charity who believe passionately in the power of music to make the most of people’s potential, overcoming obstacles such as disability, trauma and mental illness. Their unique approach sees them train care staff to use simple music therapy techniques and musical activities, providing them with resources and professional support to make sustainable change.
 
Alexia Quin, founder and director of the music charity said, “We would like to thank Stuart and nSipre Me for this innovative and generous pledge of support. Any money raised will mean vulnerable children and adults across the UK and around the world can continue to experience the benefits of music in their lives.”
 
nSpire Me believe that the power of music can transform the lives of all people, particularly those with disadvantages, whatever those may be. Stuart said: “We are in awe of the work that Music as Therapy International do, and know that our donations will make a significant impact”.
 
Parents who wish to see how nSpireMe can accelerate their child’s progress over the summer should visit www.nspireme.co.ukwhere they can sign up for a free trial now. Don’t forget, any bugs found will mean a donation to Music as Therapy International!

A new charity created to improve education for girls in Nigeria is seeking support to help launch its first project in the West African country.
 
Project Girl Foundation was set up to empower girls and local communities in rural Nigeria through education. Their vision is to close the gender gap of illiteracy and transform the education system in the country. The new charity is the creation of British-born Nigerian Lily Nwamaraihe, 36, who lives in London.
 
Lily, who has worked in the UK education system for 10 years, founded the charity following a personal journey to discover and engage with her ethnic roots that began in 2012 with her first trip to Nigeria as an adult.
 
Lily said: “On visiting Nigeria I discovered a beautiful country filled with a rich culture, yet sadly one coupled with a devastatingly failing education system. It was clear children were not receiving their basic right to a free and effective education. 
 
“Of particular concern to me was the plight of girls both in the home and at school, such as the lack of importance placed on girls’ education compared to their male counterparts.”
 
It was from this experience that Project Girl Foundation was born, with an aim to transform girls’ education and empower them by providing them with sufficient skills and resources to enrich their lives, that of their families and their communities.
 
The organisation began to come together in 2017 and now has a board of trustees in place. They are now seeking support of the public, particularly the British Nigerian community, to help them deliver their first project in Enugu State in south-east Nigeria. This project will mainly focus on functional literacy for girls, while also encouraging those with Special Educational Needs to participate in the programme.
 
Lily said: “Project Girl Foundation has big plans, but we need the help of others to make them a reality. We are asking for individuals, businesses and anyone with a connection to Nigeria to get in touch and give us their support.”
 
The charity is also interested to hear from schools and churches, especially those who would consider a partnership to help deliver their programme. Anyone who would like to know more or give their support should get in touch via the Project Girl Foundation website.